Ukrainian Featherweight Contender Signs With Top Rank: Set for Summer ESPN Debut

Top Rank have announced the signing of featherweight contender Arnold Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KOs) to a multi-fight promotional contract, with the Ukrainian fighter set to make his debut for the stable on ESPN this summer. The 32-year-old is ranked No. 1 by the WBO and No. 3 by the IBF and looks set to have an opportunity to prove himself.

Arnold Khegai Signs Multi-Fight Promotional Contract With Top Rank

Top Rank Sign Arnold Khegai

Signing with Top Rank represents a great opportunity for Khegai to progress onto bigger fights. Bob Arum was also full of praise for his recruit: “Arnold Khegai is one of the very best featherweights in the world, and he deserves an opportunity to prove himself at the championship level.”  

The Ukrainian fighter also spoke on the deal: “Signing with Top Rank is a huge milestone in my career, and I’m grateful to Bob Arum for this opportunity. I’m ready to fight for any of the belts at featherweight. I want to show the world who I am.”

Sam Katkovski, Khegai’s manager, also expressed his gratitude at the deal: “Arnold is an incredibly dedicated and talented fighter.”  He continued:  “He will be the next world champion from Ukraine, following in the footsteps of Usyk and Lomachenko. Thank you to Top Rank for giving us the opportunity.”

Khegai Career Recapped

Khegai was born to Korean parents in Lymanske, Ukraine and turned to combat sports to support his family. He enjoyed great success in Thai boxing, where he was a two-time world champion. Boxing also presented a further chance for success for this talented Ukrainian, who became a national champion.

The Ukrainian featherweight has impressed in the professional ranks, with his only two blemishes being a draw against then-unbeaten Yerzhan Zalilov in April 2016 and a decision loss to eventual unified champion Stephen Fulton. A move to super featherweight has seen him go 5-0, with an impressive win against Eduardo Baez.